James Tavernier faces new Rangers reality amid ‘Damning Indictment’ verdict v Olympiacos
Calum Crowe believes James Tavernier is no longer considered a key player for Rangers after his five-minute cameo in the 1-1 draw against Olympiacos.
Tavernier has been the subject of intense scrutiny throughout the season but, with Philippe Clement fighting for his future at Ibrox, his patience with the Gers captain has seemingly worn thin.
The journalist offered his take on the full-back in the Scottish Daily Mail [8 November, pg85] and believes the decision to leave Tavernier on the bench in Greece with the Light Blues chasing a result is a clear indicator of where his future lies under Clement.
Crowe wrote: “Whatever way you want to dress it up, that’s a fairly damning indictment of Tavernier’s captaincy and leadership. Even more damning is the fact Rangers didn’t miss him at all. Rarely can that be a positive reflection of any captain’s influence on a team.
“This was a night when it became abundantly clear that Tavernier’s place in the Rangers team is no longer secure. He may still have the title and the armband, but the reality is that he is now simply one of the rank and file under Clement.
“Out of form for much of the season, and widely criticised by the supporters, he was kept on the sidelines against the Greeks until the dying stages.”
Rangers could be set to part ways with James Tavernier
Tavernier had looked all but certain to leave Ibrox throughout the summer as Clement embarked on a summer rebuild and perhaps he’d have fought more for an exit had he known he would be in this position only a few months into the season.
Dujon Sterling retained his place from the 2-1 win against Motherwell in the Scottish League Cup and while the decision to remove the 25-year-old baffled viewers, Neraysho Kasanwirjo suiting up as his replacement with Tavernier sat in the dugout raised even more question marks.
The 33-year-old appears to have “lost all confidence” at Ibrox and despite his years of loyal service to Rangers, it may be time for all parties to part ways at the earliest possible convenience.
Regardless of how the season pans out in Glasgow, the Gers have fallen far below the supporters’ expectations heading into the campaign and face the prospect of failing to finish in the top two in the Scottish Premiership behind Celtic and Aberdeen.
Rangers need a restart and for the club to move forward, all sentiment must be moved aside in the best interests of the side – it is time for Tavernier to hand the reins over to Sterling at right-back.
The captain can still have an impact on the side this year but he must earn his place in the side, given his recent performances, he could be facing a losing battle to win back his place under Clement.
In other Rangers news, Cyriel Dessers was slammed after a ‘slack’ moment for the Light Blues against Olympiacos.
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